Self-closing slide assembly with dampening mechanism

Abstract

A slide assembly with a self-closing mechanism that includes a dampening mechanism. In one arrangement, the slide assembly includes an inner slide segment slidably coupled to an outer slide segment. The self-closing mechanism is configured to move the inner slide segment towards a retracted position when the inner segment is moved to within a predetermined distance from the retracted position. The slide assembly can also include a latch which is engaged during the closing process and functions to trigger the self-closing and dampening. In an arrangement, the slide assembly has a maximum width dimension of about 0.4 inches or less, taking into account normal manufacturing variations. In an arrangement, a movable portion of the self-closing mechanism slidably engages a bearing race of the outer segment.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 143,740, filed Jan. 9, 2009, entitled SELF-CLOSING SLIDE ASSEMBLY WITH DAMPENING MECHANISM, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to slide assemblies, and more particularly to compact self-closing slide assemblies with dampening of the self-closing motion.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Slide assemblies typically comprise two or more slide segments. In slide assemblies comprising only two slide segments, a first or outer slide segment may be mounted to a frame of a support structure, such as a cabinet or a rack structure, and a second or inner slide segment may be mounted to a movable object, such as a drawer or an internet server, for example. The outer slide segment defines a channel. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a compact, cost-effective self-closing slide assembly that ensures complete drawer closure without damage, using a dampener to control the closing motion and prevent excessive force, thus maintaining the structural integrity and reducing the overall width of the assembly.

Problems solved by technology

In certain situations, drawers may tend to open after they are closed and sometimes drawers do not close completely when they are pushed closed because they are not pushed with sufficient force or they are pushed closed with more force than necessary.

When excessive force is used to close a drawer, it can cause the drawer to slam against the cabinet structure and re-open.

Also, when drawers are closed with excessive force, it can damage the drawer structure or slide mechanism.

However, existing slide mechanisms designed to automatically close a drawer can be bulky and can cause the slide mechanism to take up valuable space within the cabinet or drawer structure, especially in the width direction.

Existing mechanisms that control the drawer closing process can also be very complicated and can add significant cost to the slide assembly.

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